Suzi's Change of Pace

We love that we can fit all five of us and our not-so-small German Shepherd! The forced efficiency has been a blessing and real change of pace, moving to Chicago from suburbia. We're still able to do everything we want and more—from homeschooling at the table and chalkboard (the heart of our home) to hosting playdates! We've all grown that much closer, too. There's no real escape unless we all hop the bus to a museum or park around the corner!

Biggest Challenge of Living in a Small Space

Again, coming from the suburbs, we were used to extra space, not to mention a basement and attic. We've trimmed our belongings to the essentials, keep a small storage unit and really live the William Morris maxim, "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful." Maximizing storage opportunities in the space is a must as well. Living in a true loft, we've gone vertical, installing storage above the girls' closet and using a tall wardrobe in our tiny "master" bedroom (our three girls are a better fit in the true master).